Bi-directional Slip Device for Tubular Gripping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wellbore tubular gripping systems lack efficient mechanisms to securely grip and manage tubulars during drilling operations, particularly in subsea environments, where directional control and safety are critical to prevent accidents and ensure wellbore integrity.
Innovation Solution
A slip device with radially movable upper and lower sets of slips, actuated by a rack and pinion mechanism, which can be oriented to resist downward or upward movement of tubulars, ensuring secure gripping and directional control, and includes a cam lock system for added stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single set of slips is used to grip the tubular, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of gripping and directional control is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The slip device is divided into an upper set of slips and a lower set of slips, with each set having independent orientation and gripping function. This segmentation allows the device to provide both upward and downward gripping forces, enhancing reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design
2Adaptability or versatility
If the slips are oriented to resist downward movement only, then the ease of operation is improved, but the adaptability to bi-directional tubular movement requirements is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The upper and lower sets of slips are oriented asymmetrically relative to each other, with each set configured to resist movement in opposite directions. This asymmetric arrangement enables the device to adapt to bi-directional tubular movement requirements while maintaining operational simplicity through standardized slip mechanisms
3Force
If the slips are moved radially from retracted to extended position, then the gripping force is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the actuation mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The actuation mechanism combines the radial movement of both upper and lower slip sets into a single integrated system. This merging approach generates sufficient gripping force through unified actuation while reducing overall device complexity compared to having separate actuation systems for each slip set
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to one or more aspects of the disclosure includes actuating a slip device to grip a tubular extending through a bore, the slip device has an upper set of slips spaced axially above a lower set of slips and the actuating includes radially moving in unison the upper and the lower sets of slips from an open position to an extended position gripping the tubular.